Adult Orthodontist in McLean, VA

Adult Orthodontic Treatment

Why Is Orthodontic Treatment Important for Adults?

Orthodontic treatment is important for adults as it allows them to correct misaligned and crowded teeth. Malocclusions like overbite, underbite, and crossbite dramatically reduce your smile’s visual appeal. Orthodontics helps straighten these misaligned teeth to ensure a perfect set of teeth and a visually appealing smile.

Orthodontics is also important for correcting side effects from infantile habits like thumb and finger sucking. It also helps align your teeth to their correct positions for a proper bite so you can bite and chew your food properly. It’s also great for closing small gaps between teeth and keeping dental decay at bay.

Orthodontic Treatments We Offer

braces

Braces

Braces are the most popular type of orthodontic treatment consisting of brackets attached to arch wires that our McLean orthodontist attaches to your teeth. Our orthodontist then tightens the arch wire, causing the brackets to apply constant pressure on your teeth and gently move them into their correct positions.

Clear aligners

Clear Aligners

Patients who find braces too bulky or visually intrusive can settle for clear aligners instead. Clear aligners like Invisalign are removable, transparent plastic trays that patients wear over their teeth to straighten them. These aligners are clear and barely noticeable but work just like traditional braces, applying pressure on the teeth to align them.

retainers

Retainers

Retainers, as the name implies, help retain the corrected teeth in their correct alignments after successful treatment with braces.

What Are the Benefits of Adult Orthodontics?

Enhances Smile and Boosts Confidence

By addressing issues such as crowded or misaligned teeth, orthodontics can alleviate self-consciousness and significantly improve self-confidence. With a revitalized smile, individuals can face the world with renewed assurance and positivity.

Facilitates Easier Oral Cleaning and Maintenance

Straight and properly aligned teeth are simpler to brush and floss, allowing for thorough removal of plaque and food particles. In contrast, misaligned teeth create crevices where debris can accumulate, posing challenges for proper oral hygiene. By improving tooth alignment, orthodontics promotes optimal oral health and reduces the risk of dental issues.

Prevents Dental Problems and Addresses TMJ

Orthodontic treatments not only enhance aesthetics but also help prevent potential dental issues from progressing. Malocclusions and bite misalignments can lead to problems like temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. By addressing these concerns, orthodontics helps prevent uneven wear and tear of teeth and alleviates issues such as dental decay. Proper alignment promotes overall oral health and contributes to improved overall well-being.

Check Out These Beautiful Results!

See the difference that orthodontic treatment can make in your smile.

Cross bite

before and after treatment

Before

After

before and after treatment

Before

After

Frequently
Asked
Questions

Should adults get braces?

Yes, adults should get braces. These orthodontic appliances are just as effective for adults as they are for kids. Adults with malocclusions or crowded teeth should get braces to align their teeth, boost their self-confidence, and improve their oral health. However, only a licensed dentist can determine whether braces are appropriate for your dental situation.

Am I a good candidate for orthodontic treatment?

Dentists recommend orthodontic dental treatments for people of all ages with malocclusions. You might also need orthodontic treatment if you show signs of TMJ like migraines, pain in the jaw while chewing, and jaw locking. However, it's worth noting that you should have reasonably healthy teeth and gums to qualify for orthodontic treatments.

How long does adult orthodontic treatment typically take in McLean?

On average, adult orthodontic treatments can take anywhere from 12 to 36 months, but this depends on the complexity of your case and the chosen treatment option. Conditions like mild spacing may require less time, while more involved issues like bite corrections may take longer. 

The type of orthodontic treatment you choose also affects the time it takes for your teeth to move. Invisalign, for example, tends to move teeth more quickly than braces for patients who qualify for both treatments. However, this all depends on the specifics of your orthodontic plan.

Dr. Bobby Marzban and his experienced team in McLean will create a customized treatment plan and provide regular updates on your progress. With our commitment to patient-first values and state-of-the-art technology, we work to make the process as efficient and seamless as possible, keeping you informed every step of the way.

Can I get braces or Invisalign if I have crowns, implants, or missing teeth?

Yes, you can absolutely pursue orthodontic treatment even if you have crowns, implants, or missing teeth! Dr. Bobby Marzban has extensive experience managing these situations. Crowns do not pose an issue for orthodontic treatment, since they attach to healthy underlying teeth and can be moved similarly to a natural tooth.

Missing teeth also are not a problem for modern orthodontics. In fact, orthodontic treatment is often a great way to prepare for tooth replacement, since natural teeth may start to shift toward the empty socket once you lose a tooth. By moving the teeth back toward a healthier position, you can open up space for a tooth replacement like a dental implant.

Dental implants are a little bit more complicated. They cannot be moved by braces, Invisalign, or any other type of orthodontic treatment. However, all of your other teeth can still be moved, so an experienced orthodontist like Dr. Bobby may still be able to enhance your overall bite and smile alignment at our office.

Will orthodontic treatment interfere with my professional life?

Many adults worry about how orthodontic treatment will fit into their active routines, but the good news is that modern options like Invisalign or ceramic braces are designed with discretion and convenience in mind. 

Clear aligners like Invisalign are virtually invisible and can be removed for important meetings, meals, or special events, while our advanced braces are sleeker and less noticeable than older designs. At The McLean Orthodontist, we prioritize your comfort and offer solutions that allow you to confidently continue your professional activities throughout your treatment.

Is adult orthodontic treatment more expensive than treatment for children?

The cost of adult orthodontics often depends on the complexity of the case rather than age. While some treatments may require more adjustments due to pre-existing dental work or additional corrections, the difference is usually minimal.

Our team will work with you to explore payment options, insurance coverage, or financing plans to make your treatment as accessible as possible. Achieving a healthy, well-aligned smile is a valuable long-term investment, and we’re here to help you create a plan that meets your needs and budget.

Schedule An Appointment

Get in touch with us today to schedule an appointment for yourself or your child’s orthodontic care.

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